Zeineb, how did you come up with the idea to do an internship at Harvard? 

‘In the final year of my Master’s in Neuroscience at the UvA, I wanted to do an internship that was truly unique. To grow as a scientist, it is important to work in an environment that inspires you. And what better place for that than Harvard? At the time, they were also doing sleep research in a truly distinctive way - at the molecular level. That fascinated me.’ 

And how did you actually get into Harvard? 

‘I simply sent an email! I wrote to the head of that specific research group and asked if I could intern there. She replied, “Come over!” After that, I had to start arranging everything.' A lecturer advised Zeineb to apply to the UvA Fund. Her application landed with Frédérique Moesbergen. 

Although Frédérique never attended university herself, she had a warm connection to the UvA through her late husband, UvA alumnus Rob Moesbergen. After Rob passed away in 2009, Frédérique wanted to do something meaningful for a UvA student. She contacted the fund and requested a number of applications. She was moved by Zeineb’s story - who fled Iraq with her parents as a baby and, despite the challenges she faced, made it all the way to university. They also shared a personal connection: both had grown up in Beverwijk. That, too, created a bond. Frédérique decided to set up a meeting with Zeineb. 

How was your first meeting? 

Frédérique: ‘It was at Leiden train station. I picked Zeineb up and brought her to my home. That is where we got to know each other. I also introduced her to my husband, through a portrait. I said: “This is Rob. He, too, fought for every step he took in life.” I took Zeineb into my heart from that moment.’ 

Zeineb: ‘It was a very special meeting. I was able to get to know Frédérique and tell her more about my background and my plans. I felt truly honoured that she believed in me.’ 

Their friendship grew when Zeineb moved to Boston in 2016. She felt it was important to keep Frédérique updated and began writing to her. Soon, they were emailing regularly - and at Christmas, when both were alone, they spent the whole day exchanging messages. 

Frédérique: ‘We emailed our way through Christmas.' They found great comfort in their contact.  
Zeineb:  ‘While I was living in Boston, my family visited Frédérique. It felt completely natural - she was simply one of us! She has since formed a close bond with my mother, and my sisters absolutely adore her.’ 

Frédérique brings a great deal of wisdom and joy into Zeineb’s life. ‘She always says: “Keep smiling, my girl.” She helps me see the lighter side of things.’ 

And how is your friendship now? 

Zeineb: ‘We are in touch a lot. We message regularly - often long chats. Sometimes we don’t speak as much for a while, but then we plan a visit, and I stay overnight at Frédérique’s. We talk late into the night and again over breakfast the next morning. It feels so warm and familiar.’ 

Frédérique: ‘Zeineb feels like a third daughter to me.’ 

Zeineb, what did receiving Frédérique’s scholarship mean to you? 

‘It gave me tremendous strength to know that someone believed in me. And the fact that it was a woman gave me even more strength. That she gave me this opportunity is something I will never take for granted.’ 

Frédérique, what would you say to others who are considering donating? 

‘Giving can bring so much happiness. And it is incredibly moving to be able to lift someone up in difficult circumstances.’ 

And your advice to students thinking of applying, Zeineb? 

‘If you have a dream, just go for it. You never know what life will bring. It could be a financial award - but what I gained can’t be measured in money. In short: just do it. I hope everyone finds a Frédérique in their life.’